Illinois girls soccer Week 3 standouts

Here’s a look at some of the top performers from the third week of the high school season in Illinois. Lots of cancellations and postponements throughout the week due to weather. <strong>M [player_tooltip player_id="22127" first="Isabella" last="Najera"], St. Charles North, Jr.</strong> The Michigan State commit had an impressive showing this week as she led the North Stars to a tournament championship at the Rose Augsburg-Drach invitational. She scored a goal in the snow Saturday afternoon en route to a 2-1 championship win against St. Charles East. She scored both goals earlier in the week against Maine South for a 2-1 semifinal victory and two more in the group stage games. Najera’s five tournament goals earned her tournament MVP honors. <strong>M [player_tooltip player_id="41999" first="Margy" last="Porta"], Glenbrook South, Sr.</strong> Porta scored the eventual game-winning goal and assisted in a 2-0 win over CPS power Lane Tech. Porta and the Spartans have outscored their opponents 22-0 to start the season and have the ability to make a deep postseason run coming up. The Boston University commit plays with lots of physicality and has a tremendous IQ. It seems like she and her teammates are always on the same page. <strong>GK Taylor Brocato, Glenbrook South, Sr.</strong> Brocato has yet to concede a goal this season for Glenbrook South. The 5-foot-10 keeper has great size and durability for her position. She made five saves Saturday in a 2-0 thrilling win over Lane Tech. Also took advantage of her height to punch away crosses in the box. Brocato has plenty of upside. <strong>F Erika Smiley, Oswego East, Jr.</strong> Smiley scored twice in a 4-0 win over a very good Hinsdale Central team Saturday afternoon. She also contributed heavily to the Wolves’ 5-0 win over Joliet Central. Smiley has exceptional footwork as a winger and loves to dribble past defenders with unique touches. Likes to cross balls with her left foot into the box too. Great playmaker. <strong>M Emily Fox, Deerfield, So</strong> Fox is a tremendous playmaker in space for the Warriors. She scored twice and assisted in a 6-1 rout over Palatine. She added a goal and assist in a 2-2 draw against Fenwick this weekend. She plays with a very high motor on the right wing for her team. Fox leads her team with seven assists in this early season as Deerfield has started the young season with four wins, one draw, and no losses. <strong>D Becca Koenig, O’Fallon, So</strong> Koenig and the Panthers continue their hot start -- 6-0, so far. The sophomore defender has excelled at both ends of the field in the first few weeks. She got a goal and dished out two assists in a 3-1 win over Alton in their lone game week. Has played a massive role on the back line for her team with only four goals allowed this season. Koenig has a very bright future.